Standard Deduction
The standard deduction is a flat amount that reduces the income you're taxed on, no receipts required. Most filers take it instead of itemizing because it's larger than their deductible expenses — for 2026 it's $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly.
For 2026 it is $16,100 for a single filer, $32,200 for a married couple filing jointly, and $24,150 for a head of household, with an additional amount for taxpayers who are 65 or older or blind. You take either this or your itemized deductions, whichever is larger — never both. The near-doubling in 2018 is why most households now take it, and it has a useful consequence: for the majority of filers, the first $16,100 or $32,200 of income is untaxed, which is what pulls the effective tax rate so far below the bracket rate. It is claimed automatically and requires no receipts.
Put it to work
Federal Income Tax Calculator
Estimate your 2026 federal income tax: total tax, effective and marginal rates, and a bracket-by-bracket breakdown using official IRS figures.
Take-Home Pay Calculator
See your actual paycheck after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, 401(k), health premiums, and state tax — per paycheck and per year (2026 figures).